Can anyone compare a Dixon polymer vs. a Copley delrin? I have a Dixon and am just beginning to become satisfied with my sound. Would a Copley be an upgrade or should I save more cash for a wooden flute of some sort?
Thanks in advance!
Randy B
I’ve owned both a Dixon polymer and a Copley blackwood… Assuming that Dave makes the delrin version with as much care as the wood (and I’ve heard he does), there is almost no comparison. The Copley will be far superior in almost every way.
Pat
This is all purely subjective, but my opinion is that the delrin Copley would be an upgrade from the Dixon. Many people, myself included, prefer a wooden flute to a delrin one. In your situation, I’d go to a wooden Copley or Burns. YMMV.
Hey Pat.
I think I met you last summer at the Timber Flute thing with Grey. I was there for a few days. How do you like your new flute?
Randy B
The major benefits of the delrin Copley are the joints and stopper. The joints are turned to fit without cork or thread and the stopper is delrin. This will make the instrument more stable than the cork joints and stopper of the Dixon or any wooden flute for that matter.
Sound is objective and depends on the player and accuity/sensitivity of the listener’s ear.
Having owned a Dixon and currently playing a Copley, I do think the craftsmanship is a little finer on the Copley IMHO.
-Aaron
I’ve played both. The Copley is better.
However if it were me I would go for a wooden flute
(Dave C makes those too, of course). Unless you live
under extraordinary circumstances, these are tough
and easy to care for and many people prefer
the sound.
I have owned a Dixon and currently own a Copley Delrin. I’ve also owned Seery and M&E polymer flutes.
I feel like the Dixon was a pretty good starter flute – the small holes and deep chimney make for a flute that’s very forgiving of a beginner’s embouchure. But I also felt like I outgrew it pretty quickly. The polymer Copley is a flute that I greatly enjoy five or so years into fluting. I’ve had it for several months and feel like I’ll have it forever before I can get everything out of it that it has to give. It has a modern-cut embouchure (aka rounded rectangle) that’s also very forgiving. I would prefer an old-style (oval/elliptical) embouchure, as I find them more versatile, but this is really a wonderful flute.
Another thing about the Copley is that it’s not very heavy compared to other polymer flutes, plus it’s really nicely balanced. I find it very comfortable to play (as I did the Dixon).
Randy:
Check your PMs…
Pat